Abstract:
Iranian researchers from Amirkabir University of Technology produced antibacterial nanocoating to increase the life and quality of foodstuff.

Silver Nanocoatings Better Choice for Packaging of Foodstuff

Tehran, Iran | Posted on August 12th, 2014

The nanocoating has applications in the packaging of foodstuff, including milk. Results of the research have applications in textile, hygienic and medical industries as well as foodstuff packaging.

The main objective of the project was to produce a polymeric film with antibacterial properties by using silver nanoparticles that has applications in the packaging of foodstuff, specially dairies.

At present, the life of foodstuff, specially milk is increased through thermal processes. However, these processes reduce the nutritive value of the milk. By using this technology, lifetime of the foodstuff is boosted by changing the packaging, and the nutritive value preserves. In addition, the high cost of heating processes such as pasteurization significantly decreases.

In order to produce polyethylene-nanosilver nanocomposite coating with antibacterial properties, silver nanoparticles are firstly produced from its salt through a green chemical method. Then, polyethylene films are modified through corona electric discharge (plasma). At the end, the modified films enter nanosilver solution so that nanoparticles will be placed on its surface through bipolar chemical reaction. Bacteria counting growth tests were used to study antibacterial properties of the coating.

The coating can be used in foodstuff packaging industries due to antibacterial properties. For instance, if the inner side of milk boxes is made of this coating, it prevents the growth of bacteria in milk.

Results of the research have been published in Surface and Coatings Technology, vol. 245, issue 1, February 2014, pp. 1-8.